Does Aetna pay for root canals?

Asked by: Mr. Kian Wolff  |  Last update: May 23, 2025
Score: 5/5 (2 votes)

With Aetna dental insurance, the plan covers 50% on root canal treatment (but there may be a 12-month waiting period, depending on if you've had prior coverage.) With a dental discount plan (also known as a dental savings plan,) you save 20% on root canals, and can use your plan within three days of purchase.

What insurance covers root canals?

Dental insurance policies generally cover 40% to 80% of the cost of a root canal. However, coverage eligibility and amounts can vary by insurer and the amount of coverage you select. Aflac dental insurance policies help cover the cost of root canals after your policy's waiting period ends.

What can I do if I need a root canal but can't afford it?

Community health clinics and dental charities may offer low-cost or sliding scale fees based on your income. These clinics aim to provide affordable dental care to those in need.

Can Aetna be used for dental?

With Aetna Dental, you get: Affordable plans. Plan options start at $20. And your dental checkups, cleanings and X-rays are 100% covered.

What is the most dental insurance will cover?

Understanding Dental Insurance Coverage
  • 100% for preventive care including cleanings, exams, and X-rays.
  • 80% for basic procedures, such as fillings.
  • 50% for major procedures, such as crowns and dentures.

Best Dental Insurance

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What does dental insurance not cover?

Many plans do not cover elective services or procedures deemed cosmetic in nature. This means that treatments like teeth whitening or veneers may not be covered under your dental insurance policy.

Does Aetna have a waiting period for dental?

There's no waiting period for preventive services such as X-rays and cleanings for any of Aetna Dental Direct plans. There's also no waiting period for basic services, such as fillings or extractions, provided you had dental coverage for 90 days prior to enrolling.

How much is full coverage dental insurance?

The premium amount may vary between different insurance companies and from plan to plan. A typical premium amount for a dental plan may be $20–$50 per month for an individual or $50–$150 per month for a family.

What if I have bad teeth and no money?

Affordable options like sliding scale clinics, dental schools, and payment plans can help with costs. If your teeth are rotting and you can't afford treatment, don't ignore it. Low-cost options like government programs or community health centers can help address the issue early.

Can I wait 3 months for a root canal?

On average, waiting more than a few weeks to address a root canal issue significantly increases the risk of infection spread. According to the American Association of Endodontists, prompt treatment is crucial, and delaying a root canal may lead to more extensive and costly interventions.

How can I reduce the cost of a root canal?

How to Make Root Canals More Affordable Without Insurance
  1. Explore Payment Plans. ...
  2. Look Into Dental Discount Plans. ...
  3. Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) ...
  4. Consider Treatment at a Dental School. ...
  5. Shop Around for the Best Price.

What can I do if I cannot afford a root canal?

Fortunately, you have several options for getting a root canal procedure at a discount. A dental school, a public clinic, a government-subsidized health care plan, or a financing option can all be considered to help you pay for the procedure.

Is it cheaper to pull a tooth or root canal?

While both procedures aim to address dental health issues, they vary significantly in terms of treatment approach and financial impact. A root canal usually costs between $800 and $1,500 per tooth, whereas a tooth extraction ranges from $135 to $500 or more, depending on complexity.

Do I need a crown after a root canal?

Needing a crown after a root canal depends highly on the location of the tooth in the mouth—teeth towards the back of the mouth like molars and premolars are needed more for chewing, and generally require crowns, where incisors or canines which aren't needed for chewing don't always require crowns.

Is Aetna considered good insurance?

It also offers benefits like access to 24/7 virtual care at no or low costs, depending on your plan, and mental health coverage. Aetna is regarded as a good health insurance provider overall.

Why is Aetna so expensive?

Factors influencing Aetna insurance monthly costs

Plans with broader coverage and extensive benefits, such as lower deductibles, co-pays, and comprehensive services like dental and vision care, often come with higher monthly costs.

Does Aetna have copays?

The plan requires only copays for medical services and prescription drugs up to the plan member's out-of-pocket maximum, with no deductibles or coinsurance costs.

What is Aetna dental deductible?

*The deductible applies to: Basic & Major services only. $50. $150.

Does dental insurance cover immediately?

As mentioned above, there are no waiting periods for either diagnostic services, such as x-rays, or preventive services, like cleanings. In most cases, major dental work, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, has a waiting period of 6,12, or 24 months.

Does Aetna pay for tooth implants?

One major factor that can determine if your dental implants are covered by an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan is whether the implants are considered cosmetic or medically necessary. If cosmetic, some plans might not cover the implants. But if the dental implants are considered medically necessary, they may be covered.

Does insurance cover root canals?

Will dental insurance cover my root canal procedure? Whether or not your insurance will cover your root canal procedure will depend on your particular plan, but it is common for dental insurance plans to cover 50% - 80% of the cost of a root canal after the deductible has been met.

Is a root canal considered basic or major?

Root canals are most commonly considered a basic dental procedure rather than major, and for wisdom teeth, whether or not the tooth is impacted will determine the procedure level.

What is the best insurance to have for dental?

Best Dental Insurance Companies for January 2025
  • Best Overall and Best for Braces, Implants, and Older Adults: Delta Dental.
  • Best Overall Cost-to-Value: Physicians Mutual.
  • Best for No Annual Maximum: MetLife.
  • Best for No Waiting Period: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.
  • Best for Customer Satisfaction: DentaQuest.